Mozambique Garnet

Mozambique Garnet are ‘classic’ red gemstones from Mozambique’s Niassa Province. One of the most affordable yet beautiful of all Garnets, Mozambique Garnet displays a timeless beauty, resembling both the Garnets of antiquity as well as the popular Bohemian Garnets of the 19th century.

Hardness 7 -7.5

Refractive Index 1.790 - 1.830

Relative Density 3.62 – 3.87

Enhancement None

Beauty

Named after the east African country they come from, Mozambique Garnet is wonderfully affordable, possessing the warm ‘classic’ reds typical of the Garnets of antiquity. Similar to the Bohemian Garnets of the 19th century, Mozambique Garnet often looks like dark Ruby to the untrained eye. Good cutting accentuates their innate beauty and every Mozambique Garnet is finished eye-clean, the highest quality clarity grade for colored gemstones as determined by the world’s leading gemological laboratories, with an attractive shape and overall appearance.

Used in adornment for over 5,000 years, Garnets were popular in ancient Egypt from around 3100 BC, being used as beads in necklaces as well as inlaid jewelry (gems set into a surface in a decorative pattern). Garnet’s many myths frequently portray it as a symbol of light, faith, truth, chivalry, loyalty and honesty.

In Judaism, a Garnet is said to have illuminated Noah’s Ark and Garnet (carbuncle) was also one of the gems in the ‘breastplate of judgment’ (Exodus 28:15-30), the impetus for birthstones in Western culture. Crusaders considered Garnet so symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice that they set them into their armor for protection. In Islam, Garnets illuminate the fourth heaven, while for Norsemen, they guide the way to Valhalla. A Grimm’s fairy-tale even tells of an old lady, who upon rescuing an injured bird was rewarded for her kindness with a Garnet that glowed, illuminating the night.

Bohemian Garnets were made the ‘fashion gemstone’ of the 19th century by the emerging middle-class, who purchased them in quantity while holidaying in Bohemia’s (modern-day Czech Republic) famed hot springs. Renowned gemologist, Professor Max Bauer noted that jewelry featuring clusters of fiery red Bohemian Garnets, gemologically known as Pyrope, from the Greek ‘pyropos’ (fiery eyed), dominated the displays of jewelry stores at the time. January’s birthstone, Garnet’s name is derived from the Latin ‘granatus’ (from ‘granum’, which means ‘seed’) due to some Garnets’ resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Coming in blues, chocolates, greens, oranges, pinks, purples, reds and yellows, Garnets are a group of minerals possessing similar crystal structures, but varying in composition, giving each type different colors and properties.

Rarity

Mozambique Garnets are actually either pure Almandine (Almandite) Garnet or a naturally occurring Almandine/Pyrope Garnet blend, similar to Rhodolite Garnet. Our Mozambique Garnets come from Cuamba in Mozambique’s Niassa Province. One of the most popular Garnets, Mozambique Garnet of a high quality is challenging to consistently obtain and as a single country gemstone, its genuine rarity is undeniable. Mozambique Garnet is also a totally natural gemstone and not enhanced or treated in anyway.

Durability & Care

Mozambique Garnet (Mohs’ Hardness: 7 – 7.5) is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry. Mozambique Garnet should always be stored carefully to avoid scuffs and scratches. Clean with gentle soap and lukewarm water, scrubbing behind the gem with a very soft toothbrush as necessary. After cleaning, pat dry with a soft towel or chamois cloth.